Geoinformatics

This twelve-month full-time course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of geoinformatics, including Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), geospatial data analysis and visualisation, programming, and internet GIS.

MSc Geoinformatics consists of 60 credits of taught modules, followed by independent research towards a dissertation, written up as an 8,000-word scientific paper, worth 30 credits. The Department of Geography offers 50 credits of core modules, with students provided the opportunity to enrol in an additional 10 credits from within Geography or beyond. In addition to the taught modules, you will have the opportunity to meet practitioners through regular seminars led by experts from Ireland and abroad, visits to local geoinformatics enterprises, and attendance at relevant Irish conferences.

We will introduce you to the foundational concepts of geoinformatics in the first teaching period, with lectures and practical classes. These skills are developed in the second teaching period with more advanced digital image processing, internet GIS and applications of geoinformatics, again taught through lectures, practical classes, and workshops. On completion of the taught modules, you undertake the dissertation (research project) in an area of your choice within the geoinformatics discipline over the summer.

During the two teaching periods, there are daily classes of one to two hours of lectures followed by two to three hours of practical sessions in the computer lab. For every hour of taught classes, students are expected to spend two to three hours on self-directed study. An overnight stay may be required for attendance at the national conferences, depending on their location. Students are made aware of the dates of these events at the earliest opportunity and they are a compulsory part of the course.

Due to the very practical nature of the subject, there is a large element of coursework with many modules assessed entirely through computer-based exercises, written reports, projects, and practical activities. Some modules also have practical or written exams at the end of the semester. Students are assessed on valuable transferable skills within written, mathematical, computing, problem-solving and oral assignments, many of which are completed individually or in small groups.

This course is unique in Ireland in offering a diverse range of skills and techniques in GIS, RS, spatial data analysis and visualisation, programming and internet GIS, with an opportunity to develop those skills through an independent dissertation (research project). By drawing on the research interests and expertise within the department, in addition to those of invited speakers, you will be exposed to a wide range of different applications of geoinformatics, allowing you to build on your existing thematic knowledge and skills. You will graduate with a broad knowledge of geospatial techniques that are highly desired by employers, in Ireland and other countries, in a range of applications.

Placement or Study Abroad Information
There are no compulsory placement requirements as part of the course. You are actively encouraged to seek opportunities to develop your skills in a commercial environment and several successful partnerships have been developed in this way.

Core Modules

Part I
GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)
GG6505 Applications of Geoinformatics (10 credits)
GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits)
GG6535 Data Visualisation (5 credits)
GG6536 Geospatial Data Analysis (10 credits)
GG6537 Internet GIS (10 credits)
plus Elective Module(s) (10 credits)

Part II
GG6511 Dissertation in Geoinformatics (30 credits)

Applicants for the MSc in Geoinformatics must normally hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8)or above, in a cognate area, e.g. Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering or a cognate discipline.

Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), but with proven experience in an area of Geoinformatics, or with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for a place following interview and/or written or practical assessment by the programme team of the MSc in Geoinformatics.

The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience, and a personal statement from the applicant. The Head of the Department must approve candidates.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.

How To Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.
3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 9 September 2024

Skills and Careers Information
You will gain a wide variety of technical skills on this programme, including use of a number of proprietary and open source software and datasets, and the ability to write and adapt computer code. You will be exposed to the use of geoinformatics in a wide range of different environmental disciplines, which will fit you for a variety of different career routes. Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, computer programming, independent research and time management.